For two decades, BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Portland, Oregon, has stood as a spiritual sanctuary and cultural beacon for the local community. Since its inauguration in 2004, the Mandir has welcomed individuals and families seeking connection, reflection, and spiritual growth. Rooted in timeless Hindu values, it has nurtured faith, fostered community service, and become a cherished place for devotion and celebration.
On December 1, 2024, the 20th-anniversary celebration of the Mandir and the Murti-Pratishtha of Shri Nilkanth Varni took place in the presence of Pujya Gnaneshwardas Swami and other revered swamis from across North America, creating an atmosphere of profound devotion for all in attendance.
The morning began with a Mahapuja – a sacred Vedic ceremony – followed by the eagerly awaited consecration ceremony of Shri Nilkanth Varni Maharaj. Performed by Pujya Gnaneshwardas Swami, this sacred ritual signified the installation of the murti as a living embodiment of the divine. Swamis then offered the first abhishek and arti of the newly consecrated murti, bathing it with sanctified water and invoking divine blessings. The ritual filled the Mandir with a deep sense of serenity, reverence, and spiritual upliftment.
In the evening, the main assembly brought the meaning of the Mandir and a Satsang-centered life to light through thoughtfully prepared skits and multimedia presentations. Pujya Gnaneshwardas Swami delivered a compelling keynote address that emphasized the importance of Hindu values and the vital role of the Mandir in sustaining those values within the fabric of the local community.
With the Murti-Pratishtha complete, devotees now have the opportunity to perform or request an abhishek of Shri Nilkanth Varni Maharaj on special occasions—birthdays, anniversaries, or personal milestones—marking a new chapter in the spiritual life of the Mandir and its devotees.
The 20th-anniversary celebration was not only a tribute to the Mandir’s past but also a reaffirmation of its enduring mission: to serve as a space where devotion deepens, culture thrives, and generations come together in the spirit of unity and faith.